FDC Check Valve Above-Ceiling Ever Allowed?

5/29/2026

In 1999, was it permissible to install a check valve above a ceiling with no access?

For context, our condominiums were built in 1999. The main sprinkler system has an FDC connection in front of the buildings. There is a check valve installed above the ceiling in the first condos in each building, with no access.

Was that ever permitted?

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

4 Comments

James

5/29/2026 08:29:11 am

Yes, this was permitted but not a "good practice". Although the 5-year internal investigation has been around since 1992, it wasn't really enforced until 2011 when NFPA 25-Chapter 14 was retitled to clearly segment "Internal Assessment" from "Obstruction Investigation," which defined specific conditions that trigger the need to open system valves and check valves. I have seen this a lot in my experience.

Dan Wilder

5/29/2026 08:55:47 am

Technically, valve accessibility has always been required. Defining "Accessible" has been a much broader path with as many definitions and interpretations

The original install "maybe" asked for access panels that were never put in, they just assumed someone else would do it, or (and more likely) the check valve didn't fit in the wall and they put it in the first place they could.

Ideally, an access panel gets put in so the check valve becomes accessible and available for ITM activities. Bigger issue is the check becomes hands on physically accessible but if it's threaded or glued and no unions adjacent, it's still not "accessible' for internal inspection assuming this check does not have a face plate.

Fun fact...there are 125 results for "Accessible" and something like 17 different definitions across dozens of NFPA Codes & Standards....

https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/definitions/nfpa-glossary-of-terms

Mark Harris

5/29/2026 08:59:59 am

James gave us perfect summary. Condo owner not going to like it but may need to put access panels that would allow for the internal inspection. Have also seen where the ball drip was in the check valve above the ceiling without piping outside or to a drain or some with no ball drip and a single clapper dual FDC with breakable caps. But if the breakable caps are replaced with brass plugs could be an issue if the check valve leaks.

Jack G

5/31/2026 04:40:38 pm

There has to be a way to examine the check externally from/ thru an access panel ( not thru thru the fdc possible most of the time )
If you disassemble it then there must be a way to install it again.
Also most fab shops that cut thread by groove pieces ( and weld ) usually don’t use a pipe that is listed for grooving also ( the three - see approval on pipe type listed for fire protection)
An access panel should be required for the inspection and any repairs that maybe needed.
Contractor, GC common sense!
A lot of times the panels are not on the drawings, when the sprinkler contractor brings it up the GC/owner refers to the clause as “ furnish what is required by code “.
Due to ambiguity and the contractors don’t want to be stuck with paying for them and installation…….no access panels.
A good question in the pre bid meetings straighten out the scope

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2025 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

FDC Check Valve Above-Ceiling Ever Allowed?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES